In brief
Archaeologists express grave concerns as Israeli air strikes have struck near the ancient Roman ruins at Baalbek, increasing the risk of damage to Lebanon's rich archaeological heritage during the current conflict with Hezbollah.
The ancient Roman temples at Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, celebrated as masterpieces of Roman architecture for over two millennia, are under threat as escalating violence in the region raises alarms among archaeologists. An Israeli air strike on Wednesday hit a car park just meters from this UNESCO World Heritage site, destroying a centuries-old Ottoman building nearby, prompting fears about the potential for irreparable damage to Lebanon's historical treasures.Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University, emphasized the importance of Baalbek, stating, "You couldn't replace it if someone bombed it. It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime." Since late September, Israel has increased its military operations in Lebanon, with thousands of air strikes primarily targeting Hezbollah. However, these strikes have brought conflict dangerously close to sites recognized worldwide for their cultural and historical significance.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintain they focus on military sites, but archaeologists note that key targets are alarmingly close to Baalbek and other significant archaeological sites, such as the ancient port city of Tyre. Tyre is pivotal in history, known as the birthplace of purple dye—once prized by royalty.On October 23, the IDF ordered evacuations in neighborhoods bordering the Roman ruins, followed by strikes that generated significant concern. Videos circulated showing plumes of smoke near the historical areas. While there is currently no reported damage to the ancient ruins, archaeologists warn that the proximity of conflict places these sites in jeopardy.Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly, a local archaeologist, voiced her concerns, stating that the ongoing conflict poses extraordinary risks given that no military installations are located at Baalbek itself. "No one knows what the excuse or the message behind the hit is," she remarked. The IDF has responded by reaffirming its commitment to avoiding sensitive cultural sites during operations.The precarious situation raises startling realities for ordinary Lebanese individuals seeking refuge, with many turning to the sacred ruins in hopes of safety. "They see the site as their shelter," noted Bajjaly, who warned that such misunderstandings could be perilous.The conflict presents a challenging reality for Israeli archaeologists as well. Erez Ben-Yosef highlighted the profound loss that would arise from damage to significant cultural sites, stressing that efforts are in place to minimize harm. He mentioned how many archaeologists serve in the military and actively work to protect heritage during strikes.Despite assurances, concerns linger about unintended collateral damage. Graham Philip cautioned against the randomness of aerial bombardments, stating, "If you drop enough ordnance, not all of that lands within 25 meters of the target."While it remains too early to ascertain the current extent of damage in Lebanon and nearby Gaza—where 69 cultural heritage sites were reported damaged during recent conflicts—archaeologists echo a common sentiment: the destruction of these sites would not only obliterate historical landmarks but fundamentally alter the identity of the people connected to them.
